UAE political prisoner, Al-Mansouri, denied contact with the outside world for over a year

We are highly concerned over the recent development that the prominent human rights lawyer and activist Mohammed Al-Mansouri, who is currently detained in Abu Dhabi’s notorious Al Razeem prison, has been denied contact with his family and the outside world for over a year.

Al-Mansouri, the former head of the UAE Jurists Association, was arrested on 16 July 2012 after signing a petition calling for democratic reforms. He was subsequently tried alongside 93 other lawyers, activists and academics known collectively as the UAE 94. It is worth noting that the trial has been heavily critiqued and regarded as grossly unfair. The main evidence used against Al-Mansouri was a “confession” obtained through torture. Consequently, he was sentenced to 11 years and three months for “plotting to overthrow the government”.

He has historically been subjected to inhumane prison conditions, including being detained in a windowless cell without a bed or any furniture, which was continuously lit to cause disorientation and prevent sleep. 

Without any contact with the outside world in over a year, Dr Al-Mansouri remains outside the protection of the law, as he is unable to report any potential torture, ill treatment or inhumane conditions. We are, therefore, gravely concerned about his physical and psychological welfare, and call for his immediate and unconditional release. Pending this, we call on the UAE authorities to reinstate his visitation rights without delay. 

ENDS

For further information or comment, please contact us at media@icfuae.org.uk or +44 (0) 7979 666698